ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ferocity

n.
C1 Advanced US //fɝˈɑsəti// UK //fəɹˈɒsɪti// fe·roc·i·ty

n. the quality of being very strong, violent, or aggressive. You use this to describe something that is done with great force and intensity.

n. the quality of being fierce, savage, or intense. Often describes physical force or emotional intensity in a violent or aggressive context.


SIMPLE

The storm showed its ferocity with high winds and heavy rain.

CONTEXTUAL

The team's ferocity on the field was the main reason they won the championship game.

COMPLEX

The historical account details the ferocity of the conflict, noting how the defenders used every available resource to repel the advancing forces.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French férocité, from Latin ferocitas, from ferox (“fierce”), from ferus (“wild, savage, fierce”).

© 2026 English Reference